Redemption 14 - Arrival in King's Landing

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Notes:

Nymeria's crew is eager to dock in King's Landing as they cross the Narrow Sea. Arya has her first reunion.

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Previously:

Nymeria left the port of Tyrosh and the sailors were all in a good mood as they trimmed the sails or lounged on the deck. They were still chuckling over a practical jape that Alyn had played on Wyl, dyeing his beard a bright green whilst he slept off an excess of ale. The mariners had enjoyed many of the delights of the pleasure island and were now on the last leg of their journey, eager to see Westeros again. Arya leaned on the rail of the bow, listening to the crash of the waves on the hull and staring into the distance, elated as well as nervous and wondering, What will it really be like to be in King's Landing again?

On the Narrow Sea

One hundred leagues north of Tyrosh, the adventurer stood at her usual spot at the bow railing and spied a large island far to the west through her glass. Captain Saan strolled up and she cast him a questioning expression. Her experienced navigator informed her, "Tis the isle of Tarth, milady, and Storm's End lies about fifty leagues across Shipbreaker Bay beyond it." Arya recalled that Ser Brienne, her brother's Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, hailed from Tarth, and how pleased the she-wolf had been that the formidable warrior had been granted a post traditionally reserved for men. That action alone had given Arya hope that attitudes about a woman's place in society could change in Westeros.

Turning her attention to the mention of Storm's End, she asked her captain, "Is it possible to sail directly to the Stormlands from here?"

Captain Saan looked doubtful, "It is possible, but I do not recommend it. Shipbreaker Bay is a treacherous place for sailors. There are frequent storms and strong winds that have capsized many a vessel or driven them to their doom on the sea cliffs of the mainland. As a young man, Robert Baratheon witnessed Windproud, the ship that was carrying his parents back from a voyage to Volantis, tragically sink before his very eyes in Shipbreaker Bay. I suggest that Nymeria proceed directly to King's Landing for a much safer landfall." Arya nodded in understanding.

The carrack continued sailing on a northerly tack, and when Tarth was almost a hundred leagues to the southwest, Nymeria was approached by a galley bearing a pennant indicating that it hailed from the Free City of Pentos. Both the adventurer and her navigator gazed at it with interest, for whilst in Tyrosh, Captain Saan had received a message from Illyrio Mopatis of that very port. Long ago when Robert's Rebellion commenced following the murder of mad King Aerys II Targaryen, the fabulously wealthy merchant served as host to ill-fated Prince Rhaegar's exiled siblings and helped them find military support for their cause, hoping to benefit by their reclamation of the Iron Throne. Unfortunately, he had backed the wrong horse in that race, and with all the Targaryens deceased, would be required to ingratiate himself with the new rulers of the stable kingdom now that the war was over.

Illyrio had learned that Princess Arya Stark of Westeros was exploring the major cities of Essos and would soon pass Pentos on her journey back to King's Landing. The magister, as one of the rulers of the Free City, desired to discuss trade arrangements between Pentos and the new government, and had several proposals to present to King Bran. Illyrio had previously met the Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister, and believed that the clever Imp had a nose for profit and would be receptive to his plans. He also hoped that he could impress the young king's sister and convince her to support his propositions when she returned to King's Landing.

The merchant's message had invited the bold traveler to stop in Pentos and partake of the delicacies and entertainment available in his fabulous palace whilst discussing his proposals. However, after consulting her captain, Arya concluded that Pentos was located too far to the east to visit if Nymeria was to head directly for King's Landing. Upon receiving her decision to pass up on the invitation, Illyrio resolved to embark on one of his numerous vessels and intercept Princess Arya on the Narrow Sea before Nymeria tacked westward into Blackwater Bay. Transferring from one ship to another in the open ocean was unthinkable for the corpulent magister, so he requested that Arya and Captain Saan board his galley when it came alongside Nymeria.

Climbing upon the deck of the galley, Arya's first reaction was to view the slaves at the oars with distaste, which immediately put her in a sour mood. But her first impression of Magister Illyrio was even more repellent to the opinionated young woman. The overweight merchant was reclining on a pile of soft pillows as he fed on sweet treats offered by his concubines, a group of scantily-clad children, beautiful boys and girls, scarcely past the age of puberty. Arya was familiar with Lord Wyman Manderly of White Harbor, a vassal of House Stark, who was so fat that he could not mount a horse and even few huge destriers could bear his bulk. Magister Illyrio was even more portly; in fact he was so morbidly obese that two powerful male slaves were required to lift him from his pillows into a standing position, and that exertion alone was so taxing that he was perspiring profusely when he rose, attempting to disguise the odor of his sweating body with excessively cloying perfumes.

The merchant's weight problem did not seem to affect his libidinous nature however, for he was intrigued with Arya and lewdly gazed at her with his beady eyes whilst licking his lips and purring, "Ah, princess, well met! You are even more beautiful than the accolades that have reached my ears from other travelers. I feel honored to have the pleasure of making your acquaintance." Magister Illyrio actually believed that his words would flatter the young noblewoman. He continued, his eyes still roving over the wolf girl's slim figure, "I have brought gifts, worthy of such exquisite beauty: Fine wines, delectable cheeses, and well-crafted gold jewelry." He raised an arm and snapped his fingers as a host of slaves presented the gifts to her.

Arya laughed and personally accepted the cheeses, calling out to her almost constant companion, Renwick. Although the old salt sometimes caused her embarrassment, by this point in her journey the young woman could not imagine experiencing any new adventure without her loyal retainer by her side. "Renwick!" she smirked, "I believe that you most of all will enjoy these delicacies." The wolf girl handed the packages to the sailor when he approached and his eyes widened in surprise and then rolled to the back of his head as he inhaled the luxurious aromas of the cheeses.

"Thank you, milady, I am overwhelmed!" the seaman gushed, appearing for all the world as though he had been granted a castle of his own to rule.

"Do not thank me, Renwick," Arya grinned, "thank our thoughtful benefactor, Magister Illyrio," inclining her head in the merchant's direction. As the coarse sailor impulsively rushed to the haughty man and gratefully shook his hand, Illyrio attempted to hide his distaste for being required to interact with such a common personage. Arya was totally enjoying the situation, having intended to discomfit the pompous magister.

Illyrio recovered his composure and presented the wolf princess with his last gift, a linen Qartheen gown, exquisitely embroidered and distinctively designed to expose one breast. With an obviously lustful expression he pronounced, "I believe that you will appear particularly attractive in this fine garment."

Arya remembered that Xaro Xhoan Daxos, a merchant prince of Qarth had also requested that she wear such a gown in his presence. The warrior woman found Illyrio absolutely repulsive and his lecherous gaze alone made her feel unclean. She felt the immediate need for a hot bath. Arya frowned at him and moved to reject the gift, disdainfully snapping, "I find the style to be unseemly and insulting." Waving away the servant holding the gown, she coldly continued, "I shall deliver your proposals to my brother, Magister, but you simply could have sent them directly to King Bran. You have wasted your time sailing to make my acquaintance."

The unperturbed magister smiled suggestively and retorted, "Nae, princess, you are wrong, it was worth the effort to meet you in the flesh." Arya shivered with loathing and stalked away, leaving her captain to complete the formal farewells.

Nymeria finally arrived at the latitude for beginning the approach to King's Landing and was about to tack into Blackwater Bay when the ship was greeted by a strong westerly wind coming out of the Gullet. The wind-generated waves out of the bay were so powerful that they pounded the hull forcefully and pushed the ship backwards. Captain Saan declared, "Milady, we cannot sail into this wind. I suggest that we turn south and wait out this storm. We could resupply at the chandler also." Following the coastline of the peninsula of Massey's Hook, Nymeria docked at the port of Stonedance. Shore leave was granted to the off-duty watch and the relieved sailors hurried to the nearest inn. News of the singular voyage of Nymeria and her crew had already preceded them to ports on the Narrow Sea from other ships out of Essos. Bellying up to the bar and requesting pints of ale, Arya the Adventurer's crewmen were surprised to learn that they would never again have to pay for a drink at any waterfront tavern. All they had to do was to announce that they sailed around the world with the wolf princess on the fabled carrack Nymeria, and the patrons would eagerly ply them with drinks in exchange for stories of their journey. There was also a fascination with their renowned leader, and as their tongues would become lubricated, they would find themselves exaggerating her beauty, skills, and accomplishments. Arya would have been annoyed if she had heard them speaking thusly, especially when they described in detail her imaged voluptuous feminine figure.

Two days later the winds had diminished enough in strength for Nymeria to leave Stonedance and sail north along Massey's Hook, turning westward into the Gullet when the ship had tacked far enough from Sharp Point not to worry about the westerly wind pushing them into the lee shore. Arya stood at her usual spot at the bow with her glass trained on the islands to the north at the mouth of Blackwater Bay. Captain Saan strolled up and informed her that she was looking at Driftmark and Dragonstone, both settled long ago by Valerians. "Dragonstone was the ancestral home of the Targaryens, milady," he explained, "and when Valeria was destroyed, House Targaryen chose not to return to Essos and maintain the domination of the Valerian Freehold, but to conquer Westeros and build King's Landing as their new capital."

"So that is how our trouble with dragons all began," Arya murmured.

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King's Landing

After a week of sailing to the west in Blackwater Bay, Nymeria finally approached King's Landing and the entire crew crowded the railing or worked at their stations, watching the walls of the city grow larger within their view. They pointed out landmarks like the impressive sight of the ruddy towers of the Red Keep or the narrow spires of the Great Sept of Baelor to each other and discussed what they planned to do when setting foot in the port. The city had been in ruins when they had left three years earlier, but from what they could see, much repair had been accomplished whilst they were abroad. Blackwater Bay narrowed in width and became the Blackwater Rush and suddenly the piers of the harbor were alongside the starboard bow. Nymeria's direwolf figurehead was spotted by the stevedores on the dock and they immediately raised a shout of recognition as a crowd gathered on the quay, loudly cheering, whistling, and waving their arms as the carrack drew closer. Word of the proximity of the intrepid voyagers had reached the harbor a moon earlier and Nymeria's arrival was eagerly anticipated.

The adventurer herself, the force behind the bold undertaking, was at the bow and felt very self-conscious by all the attention. The cries of the witnesses increased in volume when they recognized Arya and she heard them calling out, "Wolf Princess!", "Arya the Adventurer!", "Dawn Bringer!", and "Lady Arya!". A few rascally dock workers impertinently shouted, "Blow us a kiss, milady!" and winked at her when she turned in surprise to look at them. Eager hands on the wharf grabbed the mooring lines as the sailors cast them from the deck and the cheering became louder, if that was possible. The members of the watch lucky enough to be granted the first shore leave were pounded on the back as they descended to the waterfront, and men that were personally recognized were greeted with loud huzzahs. The vocal demands for Arya increased and she smiled and waved a few times before going below decks, unnerved by the spectacle. During her years as a novice Faceless Man she had been taught to be invisible and the ill at ease young woman was unsure how to respond to all the inquisitive eyes. She was not sure that she was going to be able to deal with a more public life and now felt a pang of regret for returning. Reflecting in her quiet cabin, she squared her shoulders and considered, The people I love dearly are here, and that is why I came back! I am a Stark shall not be distressed because strangers crave my attention! The water dancer inhaled a deep breath and slowly let it out, reciting the familiar words, "Calm as still water."

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With a heavy heart, Arya glanced around her bare cabin one last time. It had been her home for the previous three years. Her maps were neatly rolled and stacked on the chart table in the center of the room, next to the captain's logbook where the details of Nymeria's voyage had been recorded. She fingered the new chart that she had created with the help of Captain Saan, speculating on the positions of the lands that they had explored beyond the Sunset Sea in relationship to Westeros and Essos. The captain had told her that he would have a skilled cartographer transform it into a colorful, illustrated painting for her to keep as a remembrance of her unique voyage. She sighed as she sat on the comfortable cushions of the long window seat of the stern and recalled the sunrises that had awakened her on many a morn. She patted the linen sheets of her 'luxurious' berth, narrower than a typical landsman's bed, but far more comfortable than the simple hammocks of the common seamen. A small smile passed over her face as she reflected, My berth may have been restricted, but there was enough room for Lanna and me to entertain each other.

Her personal goods had been packed into two sturdy sea chests which were already on their way to the Red Keep, transported by several strong crewmen. The contents had evoked many memories in the girl's mind as she organized her possessions: Silk robes from Dorne, seashells, bits of coral, and coconuts from the tropical islands, caffe and cocoalate from Americos, a gold earring and a cutlass from the pirate attack, small tokens from Lanna, a quirt presented by the cute gocho from the grasslands of Americos and another from the camel drover of Qarth who had so admired her figure, and finally, packets of dried-out honeyfingers and hair dyes from Tyrosh.

She fingered one token with affection, a delicate gold necklace with a small golden locket in the shape of a heart, containing a lock of Lanna's golden hair. Her friend had requested the same of her before Arya departed Americos, and the adventurer reflected that the lovers had tangible remembrances of each other. She smiled as she handled a few wooden toys pressed into her hands by the sweet children, Myria and Myles.

The modest Northern girl blushed as she neatly refolded the slave girl's silk outfit from Leng Ma, embellished with the accompanying jewelry acquired on Lys, recalling how her sailors had stared at her with admiration when they saw her attired in the revealing garb, especially when one teat had fallen free from the halter top to the delight of all the male eyes. But she also grinned whilst thinking, I must find time to practice the arts of exotic and belly dancing. A wicked thought crossed her mind, I would love to see Jon's face if I demonstrated the dances for him! With one final sigh, she turned towards the companionway and made her way to the deck of the ship, determined not to be undone by nostalgia.

As Arya prepared to descend the gangplank and make her way to the Red Keep, the duty crewmen became emotion as they realized that she was departing from their lives. After three years of voyaging, they had all become attached to their liege lady and were loath to see her leave. Save for the faint crow's feet around her eyes from squinting into the sun, and her tan complexion from sun and windburn, the years abroad had been kind to the Northern girl, adding a few inches of height and more womanly curves to her figure. The men had observed a subdued, restless, and moody teenager blossom into a cheerful and more contented maiden of twenty and one namedays, and when dressed in a silk gown with her long wavy chestnut loose in the breeze, she was as stunningly beautiful as might be expected of a fairy-tale princess.

Most of the crewmen said their farewells on the deck, as they had much work to do returning the ship in a proper state before enjoying the pleasures of the capitol city. Renwick and Hargrove had tears running down their weather-beaten faces, behaving as though they were parting with a family member forever. Arya allowed her two close companions to firmly embrace her torso and kiss her on both cheeks as they sniffled and softly muttered, "I shall miss you so much, milady."

Arya's eyes became damp and she admitted that she found it hard to leave them too. Taking a deep breath and recovering her composure, the warrior woman firmly stated, "Renwick, Hargrove, I assure you that we shall meet again, for I am not done with adventuring. I still intend to sail to the land of the Wildlings to visit my dear brother Jon someday and hope that you both will join me." The old sailors wiped their faces and responded that they intended to stay with Nymeria, as the carrack was taking up the occupation of transporting cargo between Pentos and King's Landing under the direction of First Mate Randyll. Apparently Ser Davos Seaworth had been busy arranging for the ship and crew to remain employed and profitable following the wolf princess' voyage.

The adventurer's final leave-taking was with Captain Saan as they descended Nymeria's gangplank together. Arya cast her gaze upwards towards the tall towers of the Red Keep and sighed, "Well, I best go see how my kingly brother fares. I expect that he will try to keep me a prisoner in his palace as long as possible."

Arya's faithful navigator informed his former employer that he was bound for the banking district to visit with his financial advisor. The captain had not expected to return from the risky voyage alive, but had many investments and business partners, so he had employed a monetary agent to oversee his wealth whilst he was abroad. Now he had the opportunity to find out how his fortune had fared during his absence. Captain Saan smiled conspiratorially at Arya, "Ser Davos told me that he would meet me here in King's Landing and we will ride to the Stormlands together. I am eager to meet young Lord Baratheon." Then he gathered the wolf princess in a gentle but secure embrace and kissed her on both cheeks, gushing sentimentally, "Sailing around the world with you, milady, has been the most significant thing I have done in a long and eventful life. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share your unique adventure. You are an amazing young woman, princess, and I love you as the daughter I never had. You will always be part of my life."

Arya observed that the old smuggler's eyes were glistening with unshed tears and she shook her own head to scatter her own emotions as she muttered, "Stop it, Salladhar, or you will have both of us sobbing like injured children."

"I do not think that would be a bad thing," the captain replied ruefully.

The girl slowly broke from his embrace and patted his arm, "We will most likely meet up again at Storm's End fairly soon." As Salladhar caught her eyes and grinned, she continued sharply, "And no more insinuations!"

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Arya decided to walk to the Red Keep, which was not far from the docks, and observe for herself how the city had fared during her absence. She left the harbor and entered through the River Gate, commonly called the Mud Gate, crossed the lively marketplace of Fishmonger's Square, and strode along Muddy Way. Armed and dangerous, the warrior woman felt confident, and many of the inhabitants stared at her in wonder. One or two may have recognized her because they would turn to a companion with excited comments as they pointed in her direction. Her hand instinctively gripped Needle's hilt when she became aware that at times several men found her too interesting, but fortunately no one decided to follow her or draw closer. Cat's Faceless Man's senses tingled when she occasionally felt the presence of a cutpurse, but the wily thieves must have also sensed that the woman attired as a soldier was not an easy mark and did not approach at any time. They would surely have regretted accosting the trained assassin.

The Tyroshi bravo Jokin had not lied; as the smell of human waste which had so riled her senses when she first came to King's Landing with her lord father was distinctively absent. Arya remembered the extensive damage war and dragonfire had caused the helpless city when Queen Cersei was defeated. Now the streets were cleared and cleaned of the dead bodies following Daenerys' conquest and many buildings were repaired. She turned right at The Hook where the elevation began to rise steeply as she climbed Aegon's High Hill and finally arrived at the main entrance to the Red Keep.

The warrior woman was somehow recognized by the guards at the gate and let into the castle with smiles and, "Welcome back, Princess Arya." The soldiers were unfamiliar to her but apparently she was no longer traveling incognito.

Unable to contain her curiosity, the wolf girl asked, "How did you know my identity?"

One guard smiled and replied, "King Bran personally sent word earlier that you were coming and described your likely appearance. In fact, princess, he awaits you in his solar as we speak." Arya shook her head, thinking, The three-eyed raven knows too much!

Arya was ushered to the king's solar and rushed to Bran's side when she saw her younger brother in his wheeled chair, bending down to kiss his cheek and smiling as she hugged him, involuntarily gushing, "Tis so good to see you again, brother!"

Bran studied her features closely and neutrally replied, "You have changed, dear sister. You appear older and more contented now, not at all as grim as you were when you left. Apparently your voyage has been beneficial." With a more personal tone he added, "I thought about you all the time, Arya." The greenseer was not ready to tell her yet that he could sense that she was still alive as she traveled so far from home.

"At first my thoughts did not return to Westeros, but after a while I realized that I missed my family. I almost felt some regret for leaving so abruptly. As I experienced the many interesting things on my journey I yearned to share the tales with you, just like when we were children at Winterfell, telling each other fanciful stories of the wildlings."

"You have had many exciting adventures, sister, and I am eager to hear about them." He paused for a moment and continued, implying his talent, "I knew you would return."

"I had reason to return, Bran. I was determined to reunite once again with you, Sansa, and Jon."

Arya felt uncomfortable, as though she had a premonition, when Bran eyed her intently again, "Your smith has not taken a bride. His vassals are troubled and baffled." Now his mouth formed a slight smile, "I wonder as to his motivations."

She sighed, having wondered if Bran would bring up that subject. "I know, Ser Davos kept my captain as informed as possible about Gendry's disposition. Apparently the stubborn bull was convinced that I would return."

Still placid, the young king queried, "What do you plan to do?"

Arya sighed again, "Well I suppose that I have no choice but to ride to Storm's End eventually. I shall have need of a horse."

Bran finally smiled, "Easily provided."

With that awkward conversation over, Arya turned to other matters, "I suppose we should send a raven to Winterfell."

The greenseer almost wore a smug expression as he replied, "I did so as I sensed Nymeria rounding Sharp Point. Sansa will attempt to get a message to Jon as he cannot be reached by raven."

Arya nodded and followed up with a nagging thought, "Bran, could you see me whilst I was on the other side of the world?"

The young king shook his head and responded, "Nae, but I could sense that you still lived. At times I felt your thirst and hunger, fear, excitement, and danger." Then he smiled and softly added, "At certain times I also sensed the emotions of love and pleasure."

The wolf girl blushed furiously and muttered, "That confession makes me feel most uncomfortable, Bran. I do not like my privacy invaded."

Furrowing his brows thoughtfully, Bran slowly replied, "My visions are not really personal, sister. It is more like reading a book. My emotions are separate from the act of seeing, and I find that I rarely become emotional at all anymore."

Arya seemed to shudder as she retorted, "That does not make me feel less violated."

Arya spent two weeks in King's Landing, avoiding unfamiliar courtiers and behaving awkwardly at formal meals, responding tersely to inquiries until she was finally left alone. She was annoyed to discover that it was impossible to avoid Tyrion Lannister. The Hand of the King was foremost a scholar and full of curiosity about her voyage, pestering her with questions whenever they met, and urging her to record her recollections. Sometimes Arya relented and reluctantly described some of her adventures and Tyrion once wistfully blurted out, "Princess, I wish that I had the nerve to explore the unknown as you have." The impatient girl rolled her eyes and appeared bored with the conversation.

Eventually Tyrion found that questioning Nymeria's crewmen in dockside taverns after lubricating their tongues with ale was far more productive for tale gathering. The ribald Imp was also delighted to hear stories that were far bawdier than he imagined the prim ice princess would ever have deigned to relate to him. Tyrion clandestinely documented the tales he gathered, fascinated by the secretive Stark beauty that modestly dressed as though she were a man. Pondering in his solar, his imagination would take flight and he ruminated, I would give a small fortune to have seen the wolf princess attired as a slave girl or in Dornish silks with her lovely hair loose around her shoulders. He sighed internally and also thought, If what I heard is true, that only the sullen blacksmith turned Lord of Storm's End can soften the maiden's heart, I envy him more than the wealthiest man in the world! After hearing the stories, when Tyrion met Arya in the Red Keep, he tried his best not to exhibit his lustful feelings, but the wolf girl eyed him suspiciously anyway.

When not speaking with Bran in his solar or the Godswood, Arya spent most of her time sparring in the training yard with the master at arms, telling herself that she needed to keep her skills sharp. Her perceptive brother pointed out, "Sister, mayhaps you are unconsciously avoiding your planned trip to Storm's End."

Arya solemnly nodded in agreement, "I know what Gendry expects of me if I go to him, and I am not sure if I am ready to take up the life of a Lady of a Great House of Westeros."

"I understand your reluctance, sister," Bran replied seriously, "but you already are a Lady of Westeros and can wield power if you are determined enough." He stopped, caught her eyes, and smiled, "And I know that you are one determined woman!" He paused again and chuckled, something she had rarely seen Bran do since her return, "Mayhaps you will be happier than you anticipate."

Now the intrepid adventurer allowed her to consider, Aye, mayhaps life with Gendry will be enjoyable. We shall see. Deciding to put an end to her moping, Arya shook her head to clear her thoughts and ventured, "Enough about me! Tell me what it is like being king."

Bran's visage darkened a bit and he groused, "The most demanding complaints in King's Landing I heard when I became king concerned the persistent smell of shit and the lack of bread! Tyrion and I have had to work as hard as we can to fix the sewage and water supply problem. We have also made deals with the Reach and Crownlands to provide enough flour on a regular basis to feed the populace. And of course every kingdom and vassal has their own problems and demands. It is a wonder that I can sleep at night!"

Arya laughed and Bran scowled because it appeared as though she found his troubles to be humorous. Shaking her head, she japed, "Who would have thought that the powerful Three-Eyed Raven's biggest challenges would be real-life problems in the present and not focusing on the past nor future."

Resembling the serious younger brother Arya remembered from Winterfell, Bran opined, "I take my responsibilities to heart, sister. I thank the old gods that Tyrion Lannister has proved to be so helpful for our tasks. He is practical as well smart."

Arya was grateful that her brother had such a good Hand of the King, but she could not find any respect within herself for the dwarf. She replied sourly, "I suppose if you keep that man well-supplied with wine and whores, you can depend on his talents."

The master of arms was otherwise occupied and Arya was listlessly swinging a bastard sword at a quintain, ignoring the ache in her arms, when Captain Saan arrived in the company of Ser Davos. She greeted both men with affection, realizing that she was chafing for some action, and smiled widely when they told her that they would escort her to Storm's End. Ser Davos was most pleased to see her and there was relief in his eyes as he confessed, "At first I was afraid that I had sent a bold maiden to certain death."

The warrior woman laughed heartily and her braid swayed, "And I was taught to say to Death, 'Not today!'"

Now Ser Davos gripped her by her forearms and assessed her up and down. With wonder in his voice as he intoned, "Gods be good, girl! A child has grown into a beautiful young woman! I am glad that your voyage has proved to be successful, princess. For a long time I feared that the ship might be lost at sea and was delighted when Captain Saan's message arrived from Qarth." Arya beamed at him until she heard his final words, "The lad will be overjoyed."

Arya bit her lower lip and replied doubtfully, even a bit embarrassed, "Will he really? I treated Gendry like shit before I left."

Without any hesitation, Ser Davos returned a broad smile, "I do not think that he dwells on that fact!"

Captain Saan returned the discussion to practical matters, "Storm's End is 480 miles from King's Landing, and after so long at sea I doubt that you and I are prepared for the hard riding that will require almost three weeks of traveling. Ser Davos has arranged for sufficient mounts for the three of us plus a supply horse to carry the food, sleeping furs, and oats for all the horses. We leave on the morrow, after we break our fast."

The wolf princess impulsively invited, "Come to dinner tonight. I should spend the evening with my brother before leaving and I know that he would enjoy talking to you."

King Bran watched the party depart and his last words to his sister as she mounted her horse was, "Send a raven when you arrive."

Arya laughed, "I suspect you will know anyway, Raven!" Settling into her saddle, Arya's thoughts turned to Storm's End and the unsuspecting smith toiling there, wondering, Well, we shall see how he really feels about me now!

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Note: Well, we have come full circle in this story and are back at Chapter One. However we are not done. I have already mentioned the birth of Lyarra, and there will be more babes. Plus, we must venture out to Winterfell to see Sansa at some point and also find Jon. Who knows? Mayhaps Nymeria has more adventures to be shared. Stay tuned and thanks for reading and following.